Comments on: Share your Story

By: Gene James

Gene James — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:10:54 +0000

I became a Porubsky customer back in the early 1950s. I lived in North Topeka and was not long out of high school when I took a notion to make my own beer. When I asked around about where to buy the supplies for making home brew, I was told Porubskys store in “Little Russia” was the place to go. There I found the malt, yeast a hydrometer, and when I needed it, some expert advice from the lady who ran the store. I made home brew for several years. I have good memories of those long ago days. I no longer make beer but still go to Porubskys for good chili and the hot peppers.

By: Norman C Smalley

Norman C Smalley — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 02:00:45 +0000

I first got to know the Porubsky Family in 1969. As a child my family and I lived next door to them. Mark there som and I became good friends I could have never met a better more Honist Family that treated everyone with respect I still come in the store whenever I come to Topeka It is as much a part of topeka as the Capital Building and you cant beat the food I can still see Grandma And Charlie Behind that meat counter to this day Love them all

By: Reagan

Reagan — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:38:09 +0000

My first Porubsky’s experience was with the one and only Matt Porubsky during our stint as employees of Senator David Adkins. Between the food and the quick wit of my companions, it ranks as one of the best lunch outtings, ever.

By: Dan Billen

Dan Billen — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:31:26 +0000

I used to hate horse radish – but Porubsky’s taught me to love it.

Anything’s possible at Porubsky’s (this should be the new slogan…)

By: John T. Bird

John T. Bird — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:17:15 +0000

From the time I arrived in Topeka in 1966, to attend Washburn, until I left in 1974, Porubsky’s was a must-stop on weekends. Mr. Porubsky was generous to a fault and delighted in making deli platters for our Democratic gatherings, usually donated.
Good as the food was, the best part of Porubsky’s was being with the Porubsky family and all their friends and customers.
When I returned to my hometown of Hays, I reminisced often about the “hottest pickles on earth” and finally got my wish when a friend started toting them back here when he was coming through Topeka. Now, if we could import that Porubsky atmosphere, life would be perfect!

By: Jessica Lillibridge

Jessica Lillibridge — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:05:24 +0000

The first time I had gotten a taste of Porubsky’s was when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had craved chili for quite some time during the pregnancy and just couldn’t find the perfect masterpiece to satisfy the cravings. My husband said he remembered a place he used to go to with his folks, so we went to Porubsky’s, on a friday. Well, I didn’t get the chili that day but the ham salad sandwich really hit the spot! Love the food, love the people, and love the family traditions being carried on! YEEHAW Porubsky’s!!

By: Ricky C

Ricky C — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:13:40 +0000

I rented a house back in 75′ ..the first house before the tracks.Worked in north Topeka. I loved going to Porubsky’s..for lunch..for my deli meats and hot pickles. Charlie and the rest of the family treated very well and made me feel welcome…I still shop there today when ever I get a chance.. Who can pass up that ham salad..or smoke cheddar cheese or shaved ham …or ..Sorry got carried away..

By: Mike Clay

Mike Clay — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:56:29 +0000

Charles taught me an invaluable skill, which has probably saved me
$5,000 over the past 40 years. Right after I got married, we were
visiting the deli, and I mentioned to Charles that a cut-up chicken
cost about $2 more than a whole chicken. Well, he pulled a plump
roaster out of the cooler, and right there on the famous butcher block
cutting board, demonstrated how to cut up a chicken for any recipe.
He then pulled out a few more, handed me the meat cleaver, and said,
“You do it a few times, and you’ll never forget.” How right he was.
I never pay more for a cut up chicken, when I can do the job myself in
30 seconds!

By: Mike Purcell

Mike Purcell — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:50:54 +0000

I just remember a day I was over at Porubsky’s for lunch and a group of firemen came in sat down, got their chili and sandwiches and immediately received a call and had to leave without paying and how the staff at Porubsky’s made sure that when they returned they got fresh food. It says a lot about character.

By: Maura Dingman

Maura Dingman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:22:06 +0000

My first Porubsky’s visit was at the age of 16 with my high school best friend, Pat Thomas. We passed for 18, drank a pitcher of beer and had a great time. Another memory was going to a Royal’s game with a bunch of Dutch Goose people on a chartered bus in about 1978. We had a keg of beer, plenty of Porubsky’s cold cut plates and hot pickles! What fun!